Pope Leo XIV’s doctor and head of the surgery team that removed a tumor from his lung have revealed more about his condition.
The 71-year-old pope went under the knife earlier this month after a nodular lesion was found on his lung at an early stage.
The surgery was successful and the lesion underwent testing while Leo spent the coming days resting before returning to the public eye.
Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Arrow
His doctor, Dr Luigi Carbone, and head of the surgical team who operated on him, Professor Stefano Margaritora, have since confirmed the type of cancer Leo had developed.
“Today, the final histological reports and molecular biology test results were released regarding the tissue removed during the Holy Father’s surgery,” the pair said in a statement on Wednesday.
“The results confirmed that the (pope’s) tumor was a pulmonary adenocarcinoma and that the disease was localised.”
Pulmonary adenocarcinoma is a common type of lung cancer and accounts for roughly 40-50 per cent of all lung cancer cases.
Pope Leo XIV’s medical team has revealed he will need ‘no further treatment’ after a tumor was found on his lung earlier this month. Credit: Alessandra Tarantino/AP While strongly linked to tobacco use, the cancer is also common for non-smokers — which Leo is.
His medical team have also revealed that a further evaluation “confirmed that no further treatment is necessary.”
Be the first to know:
The initial diagnosis had sparked prayers of best wishes from across the globe.
“Pope Leo XIV is a source of inspiration to Catholics right around the world – and here in Australia,” Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said at the time.
“He is a voice for peace, humanity and reason in our modern world.
The Pope has since recovered from the surgery and is preparing for a tour of South America in November. Credit: Andrew Medichini/AP “My thoughts and prayers are with him as he recovers from his recent surgery.
“We hope and pray for a quick recovery.”
The Pope had cancelled all public events up until Tuesday and is due to embark on a long trip to South America in November.
Margaritora said there were “no clinical reasons” which would prevent the Pope from making the trip.
But the Vatican’s secretary of state has indicated the pontiff may need to adjust the pace of his schedule to aid his recovery.